Class B Motorhome Camper Van Cost

How Much Does a Class B Motorhome Camper Van Cost?

Also called a van conversion, a camper van conversion or a class B motorhome, a camper van is a minivan or full-size van chassis that's been customized into a small recreational vehicle. Either a pop-up roof section or a permanent "bubble top" roof lets average-height people stand upright inside. The RV Consumer Group provides an overview[1] of Class B camper vans.

Typical costs:

Prices start at $40,000-$80,000 for a new Class B motorhome/van conversion, depending on size (15'-26' long), type of roof extension and other amenities. They come with a gas or diesel engine; diesel is typically more expensive. The 18.5' Pleasureway Ford Traverse starts at $60,000 with a V8 gas engine; a canvas-sided pop-up roof; a microwave, propane stovetop and mini-refrigerator; seating for five; and sleeping space for four.

With many consumers looking for comfortable, less-expensive alternatives to the larger, gas-guzzling Class A motorhomes, several manufacturers are phasing out their less expensive camper vans and concentrating on luxurious models that cost $90,000-$125,000 or more with upgrades such as better cooking appliances, a toilet stall or a slide-out area for additional living space. The 22' Airstream Interstate with a list price starting at $121,274 is built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis and comes with a diesel engine, a seating area for eight that converts into a sleeping area for two, a combined toilet/shower stall, a 19-inch LCD TV with built-in DVD and more.

Like new cars, camper vans start depreciating[2] as soon as they're driven off the dealer's lot, so a well-cared-for camper van a few years old might cost 20% to 30% less than its original purchase price.

Camper vans typically look like regular vans outside, but inside the front seats usually swivel around to become part of the living area, which generally includes a food prep space (at a minimum, a propane stovetop, mini-fridge and sink) and a sitting/dining area that converts into a bed. Generally these vehicles sleep two comfortably, although some sleep up to four.

The term "Class B motorhome" officially refers to a unit built as an RV in the factory, while "conversion van" is built as a conventional van converted into an RV -- but consumers often use these terms and "camper van" interchangeably.

Camper vans are relatively compact, easy to maneuver, fit in standard garages or parking spots, can be serviced by an average mechanic and get gas mileage similar to a family van (typically 10-25 mpg depending on make and model, engine size, vehicle weight, city or highway miles and speed driven). However, the living quarters might be cramped for more than two people or a long trip. ChanginGears.com provides an overview of Class Bs[3] .

Camper vans often come with a space-saving "wet bath," which means the shower and toilet are in a single stall. TruckCamperNews.com describes a wet bath[4] .

Additional costs:

Overnight camping fees cost $10-$40 a night, depending on the desirability of the location and whether the campground or RV park provides utility hookups (electric, sewer and water), or other amenities like a swimming pool or laundry.

A camper van can be covered under a standard auto insurance policy, with costs based on location of the vehicle, insurance company, type of coverage and value.

Shopping for a class b motorhome camper van:

RV shows[5] offer many makes and models in one place; admission can be free or $5-$10, plus parking fees.

Most dealer prices are negotiable, particularly when the dealer needs to move inventory, but unlike new car dealers RV dealers are not required to post the manufacturer's suggested retail price on the vehicle's window. And the MSRPs for identical make and model RVs can vary significantly depending on floor plan and choice of furnishings and other amenities. RV dealer markup can be 10%-70% over wholesale, according to video tips[6] from Charles Davis of RVFinancing.com.

Digital Federal Credit Union offers tips[7] for getting the best price on new and used RVs. RV Magazine explains how to negotiate and finance[8] an RV purchase.

For used Class B camper vans, NadaGuides.com provides a price-estimate tool[9] , and Changingears.com discusses how to determine a fair market price[10] using the Nada Guides as a starting point. As a reference, consignment seller PPL Motor Homes posts its actual selling prices[11] for Class B and C motorhomes.

Changingears.com provides checklists for inspecting a new or used RV[12] before buying it, or for road testing[13] a motorhome. Roaming Times has reviews[14] of specific models.

Search for local dealers through the National Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association[15] or GoRVing.com[16] .

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I love this camper van - it is great to travel in. Only 43,000 km and I have to sell it as movinginternationally. I could go anywhere in this van whereas the larger RV's could not. Easy maintenanceand a terrific snowbird vehicle

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